Lot NotesWhen the Ottoman Turks extended
their empire into Egypt in 1517, Sultan Selim imposed Ottoman stylistic
principles on Egyptian carpets. As can be seen in this carpet, graceful
saz leaves, naturalistic carnations, tulips, hyacinths and palmettes in
allover and medallion compositions replaced the geometric formalism of
Mamluk carpets previously in production in Cairo. A robust supply of these
acclaimed carpets were used not only to furnish the growing number of
lavish rooms in their own palaces, but also to supplement the burgeoning
demand for fine carpets by the aristocracies and emerging wealthy merchant
class in Europe.